Cambridge United launch SUGAR SMART challenge

16 February 2018

Jamie Oliver's SUGAR SMART campaign is launching at a Cambridge United home game this month to raise awareness of the dangers of too much sugar.

On Saturday 17th February, Cambridge United are launching SUGAR SMART Cambridge at the Abbey Stadium. Cambridge United Community Trust have joined forces with Cambridge Sustainable Food to launch the campaign at the home game.

As well as sharing information about SUGAR SMART, there will be half time antics on pitch, free fruit snacks for youngsters, and a competition to win a signed shirt. Fans will hear how U’s mascot, Marvin the Moose is going SUGAR SMART, as well as some of the clubs players who are joining the campaign by challenging themselves to reduce their sugar consumption.

SUGAR SMART Cambridge aims to raise awareness of the dangers of excess sugar consumption, and support local organisations to make changes for the good of the Cambridge community.

Jamie Oliver said: “It’s a pleasure to have the city of Cambridge join the national network of SUGAR SMART campaigns. They’ll be joining us in raising awareness about the long-term damage too much sugar can have on our health, and empowering us all to reduce it in our diets. We're facing a growing obesity crisis where one in three children are leaving primary school either overweight or obese, seriously increasing their chances of developing diet-related diseases, like type-2 diabetes, earlier in adult life. Eating nutritious food and getting regular exercise will help us all lead healthier and happier lives.”

Simon Wall, Cambridge United Community Trust, said: "We’re really pleased to be launching SUGAR SMART at Cambridge United. We’re asking U’s fans to challenge themselves to go SUGAR SMART and reduce their sugar consumption in 2018. I’m doing the challenge as well as some familiar faces at the club. There’s a signed shirt up for grab for fans who join in through our competition. It could be something simple like swapping fizzy drinks for water, or cutting out sugar in your hot drinks. Let us know what you’re doing with the tag #SUGARSMARTCambridge.”

Cambridge Sustainable Food, the organisation responsible for bringing the campaign to Cambridge, is encouraging local businesses, organisations and schools to get involved as well as individuals. Anyone can join the movement to reduce sugar and its effects on ill health at www.sugarsmartuk.org/get_involved/